“Optimizing Patient Treatment with Additive Manufacturing: Exploring 3D Printing in Healthcare”
Hip Arthroscopy is Paving the Way for Osteoarthritis Prevention
The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) has unveiled a significant breakthrough in orthopedic care. Their research, published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine, demonstrates the potential of hip arthroscopy to delay the progression of osteoarthritis in patients with hip impingement.
Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), affects a significant portion of the population, causing hip pain and stiffness. Traditionally, the condition has been associated with the risk of developing osteoarthritis over time. However, the new study from HSS challenges this notion by revealing the positive impact of modern arthroscopic techniques on osteoarthritis progression.
Led by Dr. Bryan T. Kelly, President and CEO of HSS, the study examined the long-term outcomes of hip arthroscopy in patients with hip impingement. The results were groundbreaking, with 25% of patients experiencing a delay in the natural progression of osteoarthritis following surgery. This finding marks a significant milestone in orthopedic research and underscores the importance of innovation in surgical techniques.
This study involved a retrospective analysis of X-ray images from 200 hips of 100 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between 2010 and 2012. By comparing pre-surgery and post-surgery images, the researchers were able to assess the impact of arthroscopy on osteoarthritis progression. The study controlled for various factors such as age, medical history, and lifestyle, providing robust evidence of the benefits of modern arthroscopic methods.
Dr. Prem N. Ramkumar, lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of modern surgical techniques in achieving favorable outcomes for patients with hip impingement. By utilizing advanced arthroscopic methods, surgeons can tailor treatments to individual patients, addressing specific risk factors and optimizing surgical outcomes.
The findings of the HSS study represent a significant advancement in orthopedic surgery, offering new hope for patients with hip impingement. With hip arthroscopy emerging as a viable option for delaying osteoarthritis progression, the future of orthopedic care looks promising. As researchers continue to refine surgical techniques and expand our understanding of hip impingement, we can expect further innovations that improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.
New HSS Studies Highlight the Benefits of Robotic Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery.
FDA Approval Paves the Way for 3D-Printed Cranial Implants
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the entry of 3D-printed cranial implants into the US market. Developed by 3D Systems, these innovative implants represent a significant advancement in medical technology and promise to revolutionize cranial surgery. The FDA’s approval follows the successful utilization of 3D-printed cranial implants in over 40 cranioplasty surgeries across Switzerland and Austria. These implants, known as the “VSP® PEEK Cranial Implant,” are designed to address skull defects resulting from traumatic injuries, fractures, or medical conditions such as tumor removal.
Utilizing medical-grade PEEK materials, the EXT 220 MED system enables the creation of personalized cranial reconstruction solutions for patients. PEEK, a high-performance polymer with properties resembling human bone, offers superior mechanical strength and compatibility with the body. Its natural radiolucency ensures minimal interference with medical imaging, allowing for clearer evaluations of surgical sites and implant integrity. The streamlined manufacturing process facilitated by 3D printing technology allows for the creation of custom implants using up to 65 percent less material than traditional methods. This reduces costs and enhances the precision and tailor-made nature of the implants, optimizing patient outcomes.
Dr. Gautam Gupta, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Medical Devices at 3D Systems, emphasized the significance of FDA clearance for their VSP PEEK Cranial Implant solution. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the company’s journey and sets a new standard of excellence for cranial surgery procedures.
The FDA approval of 3D-printed cranial implants represents a major step forward in healthcare. By combining cutting-edge technology with personalized medicine, these implants offer new hope for patients requiring cranial reconstruction. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect further advancements in medical 3D printing, with implications extending beyond cranial surgery to various other applications in healthcare.
Inno Flores, Tech Times FDA Approves Innovative 3D-Printed Cranial Implants for US Market Entry.
